Mays Landing, NJ

Within the boundaries of Hamilton Township lies Mays Landing, a town steeped in history and home to many early Native Americans. In the 1700s, Captain George May, an Englishman, sailed up the Great Egg Harbor River and discovered an area that was perfect for shipbuilding. He later established a trading post and shipyard and today, the town bears his name in recognition of these early industries Captain May brought to the Atlantic County area.

$200,000

$75,000

While shipbuilding was established here centuries ago, today's Mays Landing is home to the Hamilton Mall, a golf and country club, the Inn at Sugar Hill bed and breakfast, plenty of restaurants, and things to do. Balic Winery, which opened in 1966, is the third oldest active winery in the state, but the vineyard was originally planted in the 1800s by ancestors of the original settlers. In addition to standards like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Zinfandel, Balic Winery makes fruit wines from blackberries, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and almonds.

As of 2010, there were more than 2,000 people living in Mays Landing. Students in the community are served by the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District which includes Oakcrest High School. Younger students attend classes within the Hamilton Township School District.

Although Mays Landing is near to the beaches, it's not like many other coastal towns that shutter themselves after Labor Day. Instead, Mays Landing is a hotbed of activity and there are plenty of things to do and places to visit to keep the curious busy. Shoppers can load up on loot at traditional standbys like Macy's, Bath & Body Works, Gymboree, JCPenney, and Victoria's Secret or satisfy their growling tummies at Longhorn Steakhouse, Original Philly Steak, and Osaka Japanese Cafe. An array of events is also held at the mall year round. For those more interested in getting close and comfy with nature, Lake Lenape and its twin-named park offer fishing, birding and wildlife trails as well as hiking opportunities. Kids of every age will find imaginative play at the Jersey Shore Children's Museum, which is located right in Mays Landing. Exhibits throughout the museum allow children the chance to dress up and play, enabling their imaginations to run wild. But be forewarned. Once you step inside, you and your little charges may never want to leave!

What makes Mays Landing attractive to many people who are looking to relocate or retire is the close proximity to Atlantic City where jobs are available in the gaming, entertainment, retail, and hospitality industries. It's also close to the beaches that hug the Atlantic Ocean yet far enough away that the locals aren't inundated with daytrippers and vacationers seeking the cool breezes and warm sand. Mays Landing is also about an hour from Philadelphia and close to Delaware, enabling visitors and residents alike the benefit of being close to the big cities, while keeping with that close knit community atmosphere.